A 3' UTR polymorphism g.1618 G > A in the MAFA gene modulates miR-3678-3p binding and enhances meat production in sheep via the MAFA/GHR/JAK2 pathway.

ABSTRACT:

Background

MAFA (musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene Family A) is a specific transcriptional activator of the insulin gene (INS), playing a critical role in regulating insulin secretion and thereby indirectly influencing growth and development in animals. Previously, MAFA's role in meat production remained speculative, despite its known function in endocrine regulation. However, our recent publication provides direct evidence linking MAFA to muscular phenotypes in sheep. These findings support a direct role for MAFA in muscle growth, complementing its canonical role in insulin-mediated growth regulation. To further investigate this proposition, we conducted genotype-phenotype association analyses to assess the potential impact of MAFA polymorphisms on meat production performan

SUBMITTER: Lai C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12751866 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature